What are Gonadotropins? Follistim and Gonal-F are injectable preparations of the human pituitary hormone FSH. Pergonal, Humegon, and Repronex (Human Menopausal Gonadotropins or HMG) are medications which are a mixture of both human pituitary hormones FSH and LH. These hormones (called gonadotropins) are Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormones (LH). FSH and LH are … Continue reading Gonadotropins (HMG & FSH)
What are GnRH Analogs? Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Analogs are a group of medications which reduce the production of hormones (estrogen and progesterone) by the ovaries. GnRH Analogs work by blocking the effect of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone on the pituitary gland in the brain. These medications must be given by injection or nasal spray because … Continue reading GnRH Analogs
What is it? The endometrial biopsy is a minor office procedure to obtain a sample of the endometrium. The endometrium is the inside lining of the uterus which is shed each month with the menstrual period. Why is it done? An endometrial biopsy is taken in order to look for abnormal conditions of the endometrium. … Continue reading Endometrial Biopsy
What is egg donation IVF? Egg donation IVF is a recently developed procedure that can be used to treat certain kinds of infertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the original procedure among the Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). IVF is sometimes called “the test-tube baby” procedure. In egg donation IVF, a woman who volunteers to be … Continue reading Egg Donation IVF
What is donor insemination? Donor insemination is a form of artificial insemination using sperm from an anonymous sperm donor. It is a medical procedure which allows a woman to achieve a pregnancy when there is a sperm problem which prevents standard conception. Donor insemination has been an accepted medical treatment for over 30 years and … Continue reading Donor Insemination
What is it? Clomiphene is a synthetic estrogen hormone which was originally developed to stimulate ovulation (production of an egg) in women who are unable to become pregnant because of ovulation problems. Clomiphene acts by stimulating the pituitary gland (hormone center in the brain) to increase pituitary signals (gonadotropins or FSH and LH) to the … Continue reading Clomiphene Citrate (Serophene or Clomid)
What is the Clomiphene Citrate Challenge Test (CCCT)? The CCCT is a diagnostic or “challenge” test of functional ovarian reserve. It is considered a “provocative” test that is more sensitive than day 3 blood tests alone. The CCCT measures the ability of the ovaries to respond to signals from the pituitary gland (called FSH or … Continue reading Clomiphene Challenge Test (CCCT)